Prince Harry slammed for taking ‘unthinkable risk’ with food delivery during UK visit
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Prince Harry has faced criticism for a seemingly contradictory security lapse during a visit to the United Kingdom, where he had a Deliveroo takeout delivered to his friend's $10.5 million (£8 million) home in London, despite publicly claiming that his safety is at risk.
The incident occurred in May 2024, when Harry was staying at the home of his longtime friend Lord Charles Vivian, reports The Sun.
Prince Harry criticized for taking risky delivery during UK visit
This revelation follows Prince Harry’s impassioned interview with the BBC, where he expressed his frustration over the court’s decision to deny him taxpayer-funded, round-the-clock police protection while in the UK.
The Duke of Sussex, who stepped down from his royal duties in 2020, has repeatedly emphasized that he and his family are vulnerable to potential threats without adequate security. However, the decision to have a takeaway delivered to his friend’s home has raised eyebrows, as high-profile figures usually avoid such deliveries for security reasons.
Ken Wharfe, a former protection officer for Princess Diana, criticized Harry’s actions, calling it “unthinkable” that someone with such high-profile security concerns would allow an unknown delivery to arrive at the door without considering the potential risks.
Wharfe pointed out the irony of Harry’s public complaints about inadequate security while engaging in behavior that contradicts his stated fears.
Dai Davies, a former head of Scotland Yard’s Royal Protection Command, also expressed disbelief, stating, “You can’t say you can’t come to the UK because it’s so dangerous and then have anyone turning up at the door with a takeaway.”
He added that if Harry truly felt his safety was at risk, he would have stayed at one of the royal palaces, where full security would be guaranteed.
Harry’s security concerns were a key part of his legal battle against the UK government, where he sought to reinstate his “International Protected Persons“ status, which would ensure that foreign governments would cover his security costs when visiting the UK.
Prince Harry says he wants 'reconciliation' but security remains a royal roadblock
Prince Harry has reiterated his hope for reconciliation with his family, stating, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious.”
Despite the hopeful tone, he revealed that a dispute over personal security continues to be the key sticking point in mending ties with King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex claimed the monarch is unwilling to communicate due to the unresolved issue, saying, “Father won't speak to me because of this security stuff but it would be nice to reconcile.”
Harry implied that the situation might be better handled if the monarch removed himself from the security oversight committee. While he made it clear he hadn’t asked for his father’s direct involvement, he shared plans to raise the issue formally with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper instead.
“Look at the impact,” he said. “If anything was to happen to me, my wife, my kids, my father's grandchildren, look where the responsibility lies. Do you not want to keep us safe?”
While Harry said he has “forgiven” the royal family despite past pain, Buckingham Palace offered a terse response, stating, “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.”
